First Response Duties

Usually the first to arrive at a scene, first responders assist victims and prevent further danger in emergency situations while waiting for professional help. First responders include many different groups, such as fire fighters, Emergency Medical Service workers, search and rescue teams, law enforcement and civilian teams.

Resuscitation

• First responders are required to provide artificial resuscitation.

  Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), including artificial resuscitation is the duty of a first responder if victims are not breathing or the heart has stopped beating. Chest compressions combined with artificial resuscitation will supply the much needed oxygen and blood flow to the brain of the victim. If timely CPR is administered, lives can be saved and brain damage can be prevented.

Emergency Medical Care

• Responders are responsible for knowng a variety of methods to help victims of an emergency.

  First responders must be prepared to provide emergency medical care and first aid to those in critical situations, including unassisted child birth and labor, hemorrhaging, seizures and broken limbs. They will also need to keep the body and spine of the victim still. The first responder will also assist medical workers as they arrive on the scene. Not only will the responder need medical knowledge, but also creativity, since the responder will need to utilize limited medical supplies in the most efficient manner.

Environmental Hazards

• Responders may assist fire fighters.

  If not met with a quick response, environmental hazards such as fires, floods, chemical spills, explosions, earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes, can cause irreparable harm. To deal with these hazardous situations, first responders may need to tend burns, broken limbs, breathing inefficiencies and head injuries. They will need to assist the Hazmat response organization if a chemical incident occurs or assist a fire squad with a fire hazard.

Assessing the Patient

• When arriving on the scene the first responder assesses the patient by identifying and treating injuries and medical problems that are life threatening. Scan the entire body of the victim and determine if the emergency is due to trauma, such as a car crash, or an illness, such as an asthma attack. While assessing and stabilizing the patient, ask about his medical history to administer appropriate and safe treatment.

Heimlich Maneuver

• A person who is choking needs immediate attention to prevent death. According to the American Heart Association if a victim cannot speak and cannot breath, perform the Heimlich maneuver. To clear the victim's airways, place hands below the rib cage and above the navel and then thrust upwards until the offending object is coughed up. For small children, thrust with only the index and middle finger. If the victim's heart has stopped beating or she is unconscious, administer CPR, including mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.